Question
Sir,
I am a RP patient. I am 40 yrs old. I have totally lost my vision in both the eyes, but still some light perception remains. I used to have severe headaches, as I had high eye pressure. The doctor kept me on medication to control the eye pressure for about a year and later minor angular eye surgeries were performed in both the eyes. But the eye pressure could not be brought down. So, he had to do the major Glaucoma eye surgery. Now the eye pressure has come down below 20 but I am facing a new problem. I am seeing bright lights and ghost images in both my eyes. Constantly I see them on the nose, cheeks and forehead etc. It is really difficult to explain what really I am experiencing. If I close my eyes, even then the lights and the images persist. I find it difficult to concentrate on anything. My doctor has told me that this is happening because of the drying of nerves and the nerves are giving away bright lights and color images. My doctor has also told that nothing can be done about it as the problem will remain even if one decides to remove the eyes. I had accepted mentally that I will loose my vision but this problem of seeing bright lights and ghost images is totally unbearable. The doctor also told me that since I am seeing theses images through the brain, I should consult a psychiatrist. Please advice for my next course of action. My life has become very difficult, not for the vision that I have lost, but for these bright lights and the ghost images which are driving me mad. Truly thank you..
Answer
Dear Fatema,
I have also consulted a psychiatrist regarding your symptoms.
There is a possibility that these are visual hallucinations which can be either organic i.e. some intracranial pathology or it can be part of psychotic symptoms.
To rule out either one needs to do a CT/MRI.
However, it is best to be under the care of the specialist and follow his advise.
Best,
Dr Shroff
